MD HB474

Requires drivers to make reasonable efforts to remove accumulated snow and ice from exposed vehicle surfaces (hood, trunk, windshield, windows, roof, and trailer tops) before operating or towing a vehicle when such accumulation poses a threat to persons or property

Establishes escalating fines for noncommercial vehicles: $25 (first offense), $50 (second), $100 (third), and $200 (fourth or subsequent); commercial vehicle fines range from $75 (first offense) to $1,000 (fifth or subsequent)

Creates enhanced penalties of $200-$1,000 for noncommercial vehicles and $500-$1,500 for commercial vehicles when a violation contributes to an accident causing property damage, serious bodily injury, or death

Limits enforcement to secondary actions (during stops for other violations), except when the violation contributes to an accident

Exempts operators when compliance would violate workplace safety laws or threaten the operator's health or safety; effective October 1, 2026